Vitex

Natures Way Vitex fruit. Hormonal balancer & regulator. Does not contain hormones or hormone like substances. Its primary mechanism of action is to balance the pituitary's production of the menstrual cycles regulating hormones. Vitex increases production of luteinizing hormone (LH) which decreasing the production of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). It also modulates prolactin secretion. LH boosts the production of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, resulting in an increase in progesterone production, and hence a normalisation of the balance between oestrogen and progesterone - helping to normalise the entire cycle. These actions make this herb of benefit in conditions such as PMS, endometriosis, menopause, regulating the period after use of the contraceptive pill and menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhoea, irregular periods, heavy or excessive periods, uterine cysts & fibroids. We have also had good results using this herb with hormonal acne. 100 Vegetarian capsules

Helps reduce prolactin levels which may be a contributor to infertility

Using Vitex after withdrawal from the contraceptive pill may help stabilise the menstrual cycle and bring on post contraceptive ovulation more quickly. A three month treatment period with Vitex is often recommended after the pill and before any attempt at conception.

Suggested Dosage

Take 1 capsule two or three times daily for 8 to 12 weeks. Thereafter, take 1 capsule daily. Vitex works gently. Best results obtained with continuous, long term use. An average program should be at least six months in length. Many people take vitex for years.

The key is to take it consistently every day. If you are taking it for menstrual cycle regulation, we suggest starting at the beginning of a new cycle, on day 1 - the 1st day of true bleeding.

Health Information

Vitex or Chaste Tree is a hormone regulating herb used especially for, but not restricted to, women. Indications include menstrual disorders stemming from estrogen/progesterone imbalance. This includes PMS/PMT, hypermenorrhea, and estrogen related infertility.

Studies also indicate Vitex may be useful to stimulating both production and secretion of breast milk. Since there are no reported harmful effects, Vitex should be considered a first line treatment before hormone therapies are undertaken.

It may also be considered in peripheral hormone imbalance conditions such as acne and premenstrual herpes simplex.

Many women with menstrual cycle irregularities are not producing enough progesterone during the 2nd half of their cycle. This means that estrogen continues to be the dominant hormone. This can lead to a shortening of the luteal phase, by as much as 50%. When this occurs, women can suffer from premenstrual syndrome, a lack of periods, infertility and also too frequent or heavy periods.

Vitex, which does not contain hormones, acts to correct the deficiency of progesterone by actually working on the pituitary gland - the gland that produces the regulatory hormones influencing progesterone and estrogen production. Vitex influences the pituitary to increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), the hormone responsible for increasing progesterone secretion during the luteal phase. This results in a normal balance between estrogen and progesterone.

Another problem affecting many women with "luteal phase defect" is the over production of another pituitary hormone known as prolactin. High levels of prolactin during the late stages of the luteal phase can contribute to breast tenderness and pain as well as infertility. Vitex has been shown to actually reduce prolactin secretion in women overproducing it during their menstrual cycle. Used for an average of 3 months in a 1 a day dosage, vitex has led to a normalisation of mid luteal phase progesterone levels and lengthening of the luteal phase.

Ingredients

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children. Not recommended for use in pregnancy, lactation or with the contraceptive pill or HRT. Not recommended for pre-pubescent children or post menopausal women. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

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Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional. If you require additional information you can contact the Ideal Health naturopathic team on 0800 HEALTH or email naturopath@healthy.co.nz